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Katy Trail Missouri: Maps, Services, Events, Towns, & More
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More Katy Trail State Park Resources
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About Katy Trail State Park, MOThe Katy Trail is a 225 mile (365 km) trail stretching across most of the state of Missouri. (Use this link if you're looking for the Dallas Katy Trail). Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can run beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana.America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic. It's ideal for hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike. Horseback riding is also allowed on a 25 mile section of the trail. Runners love to use the Katy Trail for Long Slow Distance runs, because it's flat, scenic, and the crushed limestone trail surface is easy on your legs. The only drawback is that there are long distances without access to water, so you might need to carry your own water. Or simply plan your run along parts of the trail where the towns offering water, groceries, or vending machines are not too far apart. For example, Defiance and Matson are only 1.5 miles apart, and Peers and Marthasville are 2 miles apart. Lots of towns are about 5 miles from the next town. Check out the mileage chart to help figure out where you want to run. Visit the FAQ Page for more general trail information. Or, dive right in and start planning your ride -- check out the towns and services along the trail, or build your own customized list of just the towns and services that interest you. |
What's Going On
Katy Trail Merchants Conference
If you own a business on or near the Katy Trail, come meet with other other Katy Trail merchants in Defiance on August 11th. Learn about what's going on with the trail while sharing ideas with your fellow business owners. more info on Katy Trail Merchants Conference
Get the GUIDEBOOK |
Visit the Pebble Publishing website to get your copy.
Organized Rides
One of the best ways to experience the Katy Trail is on an organized group tour. Typically, the lodging and some meals are prearranged, so you can concentrate on the trail.There are several organized end-to-end rides each year. The biggest, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, occurs in mid-June. As rides are announced, they are added to our list of organized rides along the trail.
Another approach: there are also tour organizers who will put together a more individually customized ride for you. In general, they take care of most lodging arrangements, some meals, luggage transfer and point to point transportation, so you can focus more on the ride itself. Here is a list of tour organizers operating on the Katy Trail.
Fate of BOONVILLE BRIDGE Could Threaten Entire Trail
Boonville Bridge details hereThe Missouri Bicycle Federation filed a "friend of the court" brief in the lawsuit over the bridge, on behalf of Missouri cyclists. According to the Federation:
Our analysis shows that simply giving away the state's rights in the Boonville Bridge, as the Missouri DNR wishes to do, will indeed endanger the entire Katy Trail. It may not immediately lead to dissolution of the trail, but the action will clearly remove a margin of safety in the trail's legal status.
And giving away the state's rights in the bridge clearly opens up avenues of attack on the trail's legal status. These chinks in the trail's legal protection will certainly lead to attacks by the trail's opponents--who have already shown themselves willing to fight years of legal battles.
These legal attacks on the Katy Trail may or may not be successful--but that's just the point. No one knows whether or not they will be successful. The attacks have a chance of success.
The state should not be gambling with the future of the Katy Trail. That is our position.
There may be legal steps the state could take to allow the bridge to be physically removed while allowing the trail corridor over the river at the point to be retained as a legal entity.
However the state of Missouri has taken no such steps and does not seem willing to consider them.
The Missouri Bicycle Federation urges the state of Missouri to take all steps necessary and prudent to preserve and protect the Katy Trail for future generations.
KT Alert NEWSLETTER latest edition (November 29, 2007)
Kansas City and Machens extensions, 2008 DNR Ride, updated guidebook, and more...Upcoming EVENTS On or Near the Katy Trail
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Weather Alert
Follow this link for current Katy Trail weather conditions, and Missouri average temperatures and precipitation.Heavy rains and thunderstorms can happen any time - be aware and be prepared!
- After heavy rain, stay alert for washed-out sections of trail. We check regularly with the Department of Natural Resources to find out if any washouts have been reported; I'll let you know if they report any.
- Since the trail follows along the Missouri River, it crosses over many streams and small rivers. Be alert for flash floods during and after heavy rain.
- A runner is a prime lightning target. Seek cover during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike ten miles away from the storm center.
- Check a weather website prior to your trip. Weather patterns generally move west-to-east across Missouri, so you can try to predict your weather conditions by looking at the current weather radar.
Trail Conditions for Katy Trail State Park in Missouri
No closures to report
Please let us know, or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946, if you come across any washouts, blockages, or other problems.
Beyond the Katy Trail...
If you like the Katy Trail, you'll also enjoy the
C&O Canal Towpath Trail,
which runs 185 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Maryland, along the banks of the Potomac River.
The C&O connects to the
Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)
which runs through Pennsylvania.
Together, the C&O and GAP enable you to ride 335 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC,
enjoying spectacular scenery and historic locations along the way.
Travelling to Florida? If so, check out our sister website for
Sanibel Island, Florida,
the most bike-friendly island you'll ever visit (nice beaches too!).
How about New England? The
Cape Cod bike trails are south of Boston,
with beaches, lighthouses, and more.
In South Carolina, enjoy biking on
Hilton Head Island's bike trails and beaches.
The Silver Comet Trail in Georgia connects up with the Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama, giving you nearly 100 miles of scenic paved trail.
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